Comments on: Enrich Your Life By Facing Your Fears Head On.

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By: Gwynn

Gwynn — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:06:51 +0000

@Lisis – I like the way you worded that – I’m not afraid…I’m just rational.

@Lisa – You make a good point that there’s always risk in things. The irony is that the folks that play it safe are the most at risk for a stagnant life.

Thanks for your kind remarks!

By: Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:17:29 +0000

Great post, Gwynn! It reminded me of one of my favorite quotes, “There came a time when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom”- Anais Nin
There is ALWAYS a risk in things…we may think it’s playing it safe by not stretching ourselves, growing and stepping past the comfort zone…but it’s not really “safe” at all– there is the terrible risk of remaining stagnant and closed off from life’s greatest experiences.
Well said, beautiful post!

Lisa’s last blog post..Cleaning Out the Cupboards

By: Lisis

Lisis — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:16:10 +0000

Hey, that fear is probably there for a good reason. Most likely my survival instinct wiring is messed up because falling 13,000 feet somehow made my fear of heights go away! It's FAR more rational to conclude that heights and self-preservation do not go hand in hand. Still, you did it despite the fear, and should be proud of yourself indeed. Lisis Lisis’s last blog post..Adventure: New York to South America on a Duck

By: Gwynn

Gwynn — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:42:07 +0000

Hi Lisis!

That’s awesome! 13,000 ft is a long way up!

I tried getting over my fear of heights but I can’t shake it. I’ve done a few other things that have challenged my fear but it’s still there and I’ve concluded that it’s not going away. (As I’m writing this my palms are beginning to sweat and I start feeling anxious.)

The whole experience of pushing myself has been rewarding and I have a sense of accomplishment for trying.

By: Lisis

Lisis — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:05:02 +0000

Hey, Gwynn!

We have something in common, it seems. A while back (before marriage and kids) I did the same thing. I wanted to get over my fear of hights, so I went skydiving. No lessons, just a tandem jump from 13,000 feet. That moment right before you step off the plane is… well, there are no words really.

But I came away from it thinking, “that was unbelievably awesome, I’m so glad I did it, and I’m never doing it again!” =-)

I totally agree with you… we’ve got to face our fears to realize they are usually not as awful as we imagine.

Thanks!
Lisis

Lisis’s last blog post..Adventure: New York to South America on a Duck

By: Gwynn

Gwynn — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:46:23 +0000

@David – I think the thing that holds most people back with public speaking (correct me if I’m wrong) is that we don’t do it all that much. Lack of practice and fear of the unknown creates a lot of anxiety. Once you’ve got a few presentations under your belt the fear tends to drop off. Thanks for commenting!

@Michael – Some of us have a stronger survival instinct than others! I love your blog by the way, I subscribed immediately and look forward to reading what you have to say.

By: Michael

Michael — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:50:40 +0000

Hi, Gwynn! Thanks for your encouraging words! I certainly won't be jumping out of planes anytime soon, but you've reinforced by determination not to fail for fear of trying. Thanks! Michael’s last blog post..A Life Full of Gratitude

By: David Portney,The Public Speaking Training "Wizard"

David Portney,The Public Speaking Training "Wizard" — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:34:51 +0000

People build up their fears in an irrational way, and are very frequently surprised to find that there actually is no “monster hiding under the bed” after all.

This happens all the time with my students – I actually warn them that they’ll become addicted to public speaking and doing seminars – I say, “welcome to your new addiction” and they laugh.

Later, I get calls and emails saying “hey, I thought you were just joking – I AM addicted now!”.

Facing fears head on means we often find out those scary monsters were just, as Archie Bunker once said “just pigment of your imagination”.

Best,
David Portney